Lagos Government Orders Withdrawal of Controversial Nursery Textbook After Public Outcry

The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a controversial Nursery 2 English textbook that recently sparked widespread outrage on social media over alleged inappropriate content, insisting that the publication was never approved for use in public schools across the state.

The clarification was made by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education following the circulation of a viral video raising concerns about the content of English Foundation for Nursery Schools, Volume 2, authored by Ayengbe J.B.E. and published by JN Publishing & Marketing Enterprise.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, Mrs. Basirat Lawal, the government stated that the textbook, reportedly purchased from a school in Ojo Local Government Area as part of recommended instructional materials, was not among the books approved by the state government for use in public schools.

According to the ministry, it immediately commenced a review of the concerns upon becoming aware of the issue and launched an investigation to determine how the book was distributed and introduced into schools.

As part of the investigation, the ministry directed its Legal Unit to engage all relevant stakeholders and ensure that due process was followed in addressing the matter.

The state government also addressed reports alleging that the parent who brought public attention to the controversial content had been subjected to intimidation and victimisation.

The ministry maintained that parents and other stakeholders have a fundamental right to raise genuine concerns regarding educational materials and the welfare of children without fear of harassment or reprisals.

“Every parent and stakeholder has the right to raise genuine concerns regarding the education and welfare of children without fear of harassment, intimidation or victimisation,” the statement read.

Following discussions with the author and publisher, the Lagos State Government directed that all copies of the textbook distributed to schools within the state be withdrawn immediately.

The ministry disclosed that the author complied with the directive and subsequently submitted a formal written apology, acknowledging the concerns raised and admitting the need for greater diligence in the development, review and distribution of educational materials intended for young learners.

According to the government, the matter has been satisfactorily resolved, with corrective measures already implemented and the publication removed from circulation in the affected schools.

Reaffirming its commitment to quality education, the ministry said it would continue to strengthen monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that only approved and age-appropriate instructional materials are used in schools across Lagos State.

The government also commended parents, educators, school administrators and members of the public for their vigilance, urging stakeholders to verify instructional materials through appropriate channels and promptly report concerns requiring government intervention.